News
Workways+ helps Rob build better life
AT 48-years-old, low skilled and long-term unemployed, Rob Driscoll of Pembroke thought that his chances of finding a job that he could enjoy were extremely limited.
In fact, he had all but given up hope. Then Rob was introduced to Workways+ and his life changed. Workways+ is dedicated to helping people improve their lives through volunteering, work experience, training and employment.
Rob’s history included caring for his mother and a series of unsatisfactory temporary labouring jobs. Rob was under great stress and on occasion, this manifested itself in unsociable behaviour. Rob had large gaps in his employment record and he felt this was another barrier.
Rob first signed up with Workways+ in December 2016 but through stress and anxiety caused by his situation, he was not able to take full advantage of the support available. However, after a period of false starts Rob fully committed to the support and has not looked back. Workways+ assigned Rob a dedicated mentor to work with him on a one to one basis.
Rob’s mentor worked with him to identify what type of job would suit him best. Enjoying practical work and the outdoor life, the building trade was an obvious match and a sector Rob already had experience. Workways+ provided Rob with support to develop his CV, job search and build his confidence. They funded his application for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme card and helped him pass the online test. Without a CSCS card, you cannot work on a building site.
The next step was to get Rob a placement within a building company to develop his skills and build his work experience. Workways+ funded a ‘Paid for Work Opportunity’ with Pembrokeshire-based building company Miles Plant Hire.
‘Paid Work Opportunities’ run over several weeks and enable businesses to employ and provide experience to people without any cost to them. Rob started work with Miles Plant and loved it. Employed as a general labourer, Rob has demonstrated great enthusiasm and commitment for the role.
Miles Plant Hire supervisor Mike Miles said: “First onsite and last to leave, Rob is a great example to everyone. Always happy, cooperative, willing to learn and take on new roles, Rob is someone that we are confident in investing in. Rob started with labouring in groundworks but showed he was able and willing to do other tasks like building kerbs, scaffolding, landscaping and mixing concrete. We are now moving him on to other roles and are training him to use plant like operating the JCB and dumper truck.”
Rob’s 16 week ‘PWO’ ended on the 21 st April and Miles Plant Hire was pleased to offer Rob a fulltime job from that day onwards.
A delighted Rob said: “Workways+ gave me my chance to prove to everyone and myself that I could have a good job. I am now employed at 40 hours per week and for the first time I have money in the bank. I love my job not just because it is regular work but also because they believe in me and are willing to train me to do new things. It is the first time that I have felt I have a good future. I can’t thank Workways+ enough. The practical support they have given me has been great and the fact that they funded a placement for me in a company so I could prove what I was capable of was what really got me on my feet. It’s a wonderful service and would recommend them to anyone looking to get on.”
Workways+ is part funded by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government. For further information on how Workways+ can help you please call 01437 776609 / email [email protected] or visit www.workways.wales.
Crime
Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case
A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).
On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.
When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.
Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.
Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).
While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.
After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.
The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.
“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.
“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.
“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.
“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”
On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.
If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
In an emergency, always call 999.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
News
Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police
DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”
In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”
Business
Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’
THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.
“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”
Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”
“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”
Find out more about careers at the Port of Milford Haven here: www.mhpa.co.uk/about/careers-at-the-port/.
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